Betts joins The Bears in three-year deal

Melvyn Betts has signed a three-year deal with Warwickshire.

Betts had previously rejected the offer of a new contract with Durham, and hopes that a new start at Edgbaston will help his international aspirations. He toured with England 'A' to South Africa two years ago.

"Warwickshire have been one of the most successful clubs over the last 10 years. It's the chance to play at a Test match ground and they have a good coach in Bob Woolmer," Betts explained.

"I felt that my career had come to a bit of a standstill at Durham. I haven't enjoyed my cricket over the last couple of years and hopefully I can now look forward to reporting back for pre-season training instead of going through the same old routine."

Warwickshire will be pleased to have beaten several other counties to the signature of Betts. The Birmingham club has, for various reasons, lost the services of Giddins, Donald and Welch since the end of the season, and was facing an absence of high quality seam bowlers.